Film critics Rob Lowman and Bob Strauss probably have received thousands of emails from publications and websites about who will win — or who should win — the Oscars this year. This list shows what they perceive as a consensus of what the so-called “experts” are thinking — “Experts is in quotes, not because I doubt anybody’s expertise, only that I doubt anyone really understands the minds of the Motion Picture Academy” members, Lowman says — and in many cases, whom Lowman and Strauss would give the Oscars to if it were up to them. First, a confession: “I won’t pretend to have seen all the documentaries and shorts. (I would love to know how many Academy members didn’t see them and voted anyway, but we’ll never know),” Lowman said. Fill out your own ballot and compare your answers to these predictions. And then watch the show.

Best director

Prediction: Alfonso Cuaron. The technical achievement coupled with the emotional impact sets the Mexican filmmaker apart. He also won the Directors Guild of America award, which makes him a heavy favorite but not a shoo-in.

Best supporting actor

Prediction: Jared Leto. He turned what could have been a cliche into something memorable. If he wins, he and McConaughey (if he wins) would become the fourth pair from the same film to win best actor and best supporting actor Oscars.

Best documentary feature

Prediction: “20 Feet From Stardom.” This well-done story of backup singers hits home in Hollywood, where not everybody gets to be a star. If voters opt for something topical, then “The Square,” about the Egyptian revolution, might sneak in.

Makeup and hairstyling

Prediction: “Dallas Buyers Club.” This is a weird group. The makeup and hairstyling in “Dallas” is to make the characters look on the edge of death. “Ranger” was a box-office disaster, which the academy is likely not to honor. And while Johnny Knoxville’s makeup in “Jackass” was really good, it’s hard to imagine that announcement on the telecast.

Preference: None.

BOB:

Prediction: “Dallas Buyers Club”

Preference: “Dallas Buyers Club” but “American Hustle” should have been nominated

Best original song

“Happy” from “Despicable Me 2,” music and lyrics by Pharrell Williams; “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez; “The Moon Song” from “Her,” music by Karen O; lyrics by Karen O and Spike Jonze; “Ordinary Love” from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; lyrics by Paul Hewson

ROB:

Prediction: “Let It Go.” This would be a showstopper in any Broadway hit.

Prediction: “The Voorman Problem.” A doctor (Martin Freeman) is asked to examine a prisoner, Mr. Voorman (Tom Hollander), who believes he’s God. That should be enough to win, plus it’s the only one in English.

Bob Strauss has been covering film at the L.A. Daily News since 1989. He wouldn't say the movies have gotten worse in that time, but they do keep getting harder to love. Fortunately, he still loves them.

Rob Lowman began at the L.A. Daily News working in editing positions on the news side, including working on Page 1 the day the L.A. Riots began in 1992. In 1993, he made the move to features, and in 1995 became the Entertainment Editor for 15 years. He returned to writing full time in 2010. Throughout his career he has interviewed a wide range of celebrities in the arts. The list includes the likes of Denzel Washington and Clint Eastwood to Kristin Stewart and Emma Stone in Hollywood; classical figures like Yo Yo Ma and Gustavo Dudamel to pop stars like Norah Jones, Milly Cyrus and Madonna; and authors such as Joseph Heller, John Irving and Lee Child. Rob has covered theater, dance and the fine arts as well as reviewing film, TV and stage. He has also covered award shows and written news stories related to the entertainment business. A longtime resident of Santa Clarita, Rob is still working on his first more-than-30-year marriage, has three grown children (all with master's degrees) and five guitars.